Two East Tennessee sites to collect unwanted medications

Looking to safely dispose of old or unwanted prescription medications or over-the-counter medicines? This Saturday, Nov. 17, these two drop-off locations will be set up in East Tennessee from 10a.m.-2 p.m.:

* In Knoxville, at the West Town Mall parking lot, on the Morrell Road side.

* In Scott County at Walgreens, 19600 Alberta Ave., Oneida, Tenn.

Officials with the city of Knoxville, Knox County and East Tennessee Regional Medication Collection Coalition will be on hand to collect and properly dispose of the unwanted medicines. The empty plastic containers for the medicines will be recycled.

The Knoxville event sponsors includethe Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Solid Waste Office, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, University of Tennessee Academy of Student Pharmacists, Hallsdale-Powell Utility District, the Metropolitan Drug Commission, KUB and the Knox County Health Department. Other organizations from surrounding counties include S.T.A.N.D. of Scott County.

Can't make it to the community drop-off Saturday? At all other times, Knoxville and Knox County residents can bring old or unused medicines to the Knoxville Police Department Safety Building, 800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. The Safety Building is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.